WCO National Workshop for Indonesia Customs on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy

11-15 September 2017, Jakarta, Indonesia

The WCO National Workshop for Indonesia Customs on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy was held on 11-15 September 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia under the sponsorship of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan) and a total of 21 Custom officers in charge of border enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) participated in the workshop.

ROCB A/P speaks at the 29th Administrative Meeting for National Contact Points of Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P)

5-7 September 2017, Chongqing, China

At the invitation of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P), Mr Tong hua, attended the 29th Administrative Meeting for National Contact Points of RILO A/P, which was held in 5-7 September 2017 in Chongqing, China, and introduced ROCB A/P’s Capacity Building efforts in supporting Customs Administrations, in particular the close collaboration between RILO A/P and ROCB A/P for jointly organizing high-class Capacity Building activities in the A/P region

WCO and ROCB A/P joined development partners for greater collaboration on trade facilitation

4-7 September 2017, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Asia Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) 2017 and its side events, i.e. a series of trade facilitation-related workshops, were held on 5-6 September 2017 and 7 September 2017 respectively in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, by UNESCAP and ADB, in cooperation with Indonesia Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs.

At the invitation of APEC, Ms. Saori Nojima, Project Manager of the ROCB A/P, attended the workshop on Trademark Determination in a Border Enforcement Context on 24th August 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

ROCB A/P raises the awareness of Visionary Leadership in Customs Modernization and Reform for the Myanmar Customs Department

22-23 August 2017, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

At the invitation from the World Bank Group, Trade & Competitiveness of Myanmar, Dr.Tong hua, Program Manager of the ROCB A/P, attended the Myanmar Customs Leadership Course held on 22 and 23 August 2017 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, as a guest speaker.

At the invitation of the Royal Brunei Customs and Excise Department (RCED), the WCO delegation consisting Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to meet Brunei’s government leaders and Customs executives and exchange views for their future Customs modernization through active participation in the WCO’s initiatives undertaken at global and regional levels.

At the invitation of Bangladesh National Board of Revenue (NBR), the WCO delegation consisting Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Dhaka, Bangladesh to launch the WCO’s Security Project for Bangladesh and to seek political support for accelerating Customs reform and modernization to contend with a series of challenges being discussed at the international arena, such as counter-terrorism and supply chain security and trade facilitation.

At the invitation of India Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), the WCO delegation consisting Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited New Delhi, India with a view to advocating CBEC’s on-going commitment to the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). To this end, on 21 July 2017, WCO Secretary General participated in the Trade Facilitation Forum held in New Delhi and made a keynote address in front of some 100 audiences representing various stakeholders and development partners, and commended the CBEC for their structured engagement to the TFA implementation through devising a concrete action plan as a good practice.

At the invitation of Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the WCO delegation consisting Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Islamabad, Pakistan with a view to meeting Pakistani government leaders to seek their political support for the on-going Customs reform and modernization and encourage their further contribution and commitment to a series of challenges surrounding Customs, including trade facilitation and supply chain security.

High-level policy dialogue with Afghan government leaders on Customs modernization

16-17 July 2017, Kabul, Afghanistan

At the invitation of Afghan Customs Department (ACD), the WCO delegation consisting Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Kabul, Afghanistan with a view to meeting Afghan government leaders to seek their political support for the on-going Customs reform and modernization.

WCO Regional Workshop on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was conducted on 17-20 July 2017 in Melbourne, Australia, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, and in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Australian Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection (DIBP), along with strong contribution from the resource person from the WCO.

At the invitation of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA),Ms. Eva Suen of the ROCB A/P participated in and contributed to the 11th FIATA Region Asia/Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting held on 28 June 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, in which about 100 representatives from 14 countries attended.

At the invitation of the ADB and Bhutan Customs, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 6th Meeting of the South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Subgroup (SCS-6), which took place on 15 June 2017 in Thimphu, Bhutan, as one of the resource speakers.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Japan Customs, organized the WCO Regional Workshop on Customs Valuation and Revenue Package was held on 5 – 9 June 2017 at the Kobe Customs Headquarters in Kobe, Japan, under the sponsorship of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan).

With the invitation of Myanmar Customs Department (MCD) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, CCF/Japan Operation Manager of ROCB A/P, attended the Development Partner Meeting for the MCD, which was held on 2 June 2017 in Yangon, Myanmar.

Seizing the occasion of a mission to Japan, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited the Customs and Tariff Bureau (CTB) of Ministry of Finance in Tokyo on 29 May 2017 and greeted the CTB executives, including Mr. Mikio Kajikawa, Director General of the CTB, and Mr. Hiroshi Kishimoto, Deputy Director General of the same.

ROCB A/P Meets Chairman and Members of the Bangladesh National Board of Revenue

25 May 2017, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Bangladesh National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Dhaka on 24-25 May 2017 with a view to consulting Chairman and Members of the NBR how the WCO and the ROCB A/P could further strengthen current cooperative ties with the NBR in order to better contending with a series of the WCO prioritized issues, such as supply chain security and counter-terrorism, trade facilitation, e-commerce, Customs-Tax cooperation and illicit financial flows.

In response to the request by the WCO Secretariat and at the invitation by Indonesia Customs, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, spoke at the Dialogue Session between the WCO and ASEAN Directors General (DGs) held as part of the ASEAN DGs Meeting on 17 May 2017 in Bali (Denpasar), Indonesia, in the capacity of a WCO representative.

The WCO and UPU jointly organized a Joint WCO-UPU Customs-Post Workshop for the Asia-Pacific Region from 1 to 5 May 2017 in Sydney, Australia, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P; the Australian Border Force; the Australia Post under the financial support of Customs Cooperation Fund of Korea(CCF/Korea) to support Asia-Pacific Customs and Posts to strengthen cooperation and the exchange of advance electronic information.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RILO A/P, organized the WCO Follow-up Regional Workshop on Counterfeiting and Piracy on 15-18 May 2017 at the WCO Regional Training Center Japan (Japan Customs Training Institute) in Kashiwa, Japan, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

ROCB A/P promotes the WCO programs and instruments to harness the Customs and other government agencies at the OCO Annual Conference

3-4 May 2017, Guam, USA

19th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) was convened on 2-5 May 2017 in Guam, the USA, and approximately 60 delegates, including observers representing the OCO’s partner organizations, including the WCO, attended.

WCO-UNESCAP UNNEXT MASTERCLASS 2017: DIGITAL CUSTOMS AND Single Window in the Context of WTO TFA

19-28 April 2017, CheonAn Korea

The WCO and the UNESCAP organized the Regional Workshop on Digital Customs and Single Window so called the 3rd UNNExT MASTERCLASS 2017 on 19-28 April 2017 in Seoul and CheonAn City, Korea, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the Customs Border Control Training Institute (CBCTI) under the financial support of Customs Cooperation Fund of Korea (CCF/Korea).

WCO Sub-Regional Workshop on Advance Ruling and Origin Certification for ASEAN Member Countries

20 March 2017, Melaka, Malaysia

WCO Sub-Regional Workshop on Advance Ruling and Origin Certification for ASEAN Member Countries was conducted on 20-24 March 2017 at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) in Melaka, Malaysia, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, and in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

ROCB A/P accompanies WCO Secretary General to the Mission to the Union of Myanmar

20 March 2017, Nay Pyi Taw, Union of Myanmar

WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, visited the Union of Myanmar to meet Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Nay Pyi Taw and call for high-level political support for further enhancing cooperation among the border control agencies, including Customs, with a view to facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening the country’s resilience to the terrorism and transnational organized crime.

12th Global Meeting of Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs), Heads of the Regional Training Centers (RTCs) and Vice-Chairs’ Offices was convened on 2 and 3 March 2017 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and the delegates discussed a set of important capacity building agenda, including the implementation of the WCO’s Mercator Program, regional strategic plan and the regional donor conferences among other things.

At the invitation from the Fiscal Policy Research Institute Foundation (FPRIF) of Thailand, which is a research institute supporting Thailand’s economic and fiscal management, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the ASEAN Directors General Meeting on Excise Taxation held on 20 February 2017 in Hua Hin, Thailand, as a guest speaker.

On 15 February 2017, the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific of the UN Environment Programme hosted the 18th meeting of the Asian Regional Partners Forum on Environmental Crime (ARPEC) in the UN building in Bangkok, Thailand.

ROCB A/P moderates and speaks at the International Academic Conference on Economic Security

27-30 January 2017, Baku, Azerbaijan

At the invitation of Prof. Aydin Aliyev, Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, Dr. Tong Hua, ROCB A/P Program Manager, participated in the International Academic Conference held at the Azerbaijan Economic University in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the occasion of International Customs Day and the 25th Anniversary of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In the wake of the discussion at the last A/P Regional Contact Point Meeting held in November 2016 in Fiji (please refer to workshop click here), the regional working group meetings were convened from 17-20 January 2017 at the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection to discuss the Members’ interests in the private sector engagement with Customs community as well as the development of the Regional Strategic Plan (RSP) for 2018-2020 and other technical coordination issues.

On 18th January 2017, with a kind invitation from Mr. Paisal Chuenjit, Principle Advisor of the Royal Thai Customs Department, staff members of the ROCB A/P joined the study visit program held at the Laem Chabang Port Customs Bureau (LCPCB), Thailand.

The WCO-UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) Steering Committee Meeting was convened on 12 January 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, and more than 50 officials representing eight ASEAN CCP participating countries, the UNODC, donor countries, the RILO A/P, the Oceania Customs Organisation and other observers, attended. The ROCB A/P was also invited to participate in this Meeting on behalf of the WCO.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Digital Customs and E-Commerce on 12-16 December 2016 at the RTC India (National Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotic, NACEN), India, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

ROCB A/P contributes to the UNESCAP-GTI International Seminar on Trade Facilitation in North-East Asia

13-14 December 2016, Incheon, Korea

At the invitation of the United Nations Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Ms. Alpha Wong of the ROCB A/P, as the WCO representative, participated in the International Seminar on Trade Facilitation in North-East Asia, which was held on 13 December 2016 in Incheon, Korea.

WCO National Workshop on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing for Thailand

21-25 November 2016, Bangkok, Thailand

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, organized the WCO National Workshop on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing for Thai Customs on 21-25 November 2016 at the Thai Customs Department (TCD) Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RTC India (National Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotic, NACEN), organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Intelligence-Led Risk Management on 21-25 November 2016 at the RTC India, Faridabad, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

The WCO organized the WCO Sub-regional Security Program Meeting on 23-25 November 2016 in Hanoi, Vietnam with a view to developing a concept of a project to promote the WCO Security Program, which consist of API/PNR, SALW and chemical precursor and components of improvised explosive devices (IED).

Mr. Kangsik Cho, Program Manager of the ROCB A/P participated in the RILO A/P Seminar on Detector Dogs held on 15-17 November 2016 at the Customs Border Protection Institute (CBCTI) in Cheon-an, Korea and introduced the ROCB A/P’s capacity building activities.

The WCO in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RILO A/P organized the WCO A/P Regional Train-The-Trainer Workshop for Joint Enforcement Action Against Counterfeiting and Piracy in the Asia/Pacific Region (ACTION IPR A/P 2) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 15-17 November 2016 under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

WCO ROCB A/P promotes the Customs framework(AEO program) for implementation of the UNODC-WCO Container Control Program in Philippines

11 November 2016, Manila, Philippines

The WCO ROCB A/P, on behalf of the WCO, joined the Customs-Business workshop on UNODC-WCO Container Control Program to enhance the relationship between Customs and Business including related stake holders.

WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Workshop on Capacity Building of Customs Laboratories for the Revenue Package Program and Trade Facilitation

9-11 November 2016, Kashiwa, Japan

The WCO, in cooperation with the Central Customs Laboratory (CCL) of Japan Customs and the ROCB A/P, organized a Regional Workshop on Capacity Building of Customs Laboratories for the Revenue Package Program and Trade Facilitation from 9 to 11 November 2016 in Kashiwa, Japan.

ROCB A/P reports its activities and commitment to the Regional Contact Points

9-11 November 2016, Sigatoka, Fiji

26th WCO A/P Regional Contact Point Meeting was held on 9-11 November 2016 in Sigatoka, Fiji. Nearly 50 delegates from 21 Member administrations, 4 observer organizations (WCO, RILO A/P, ROCB A/P and OCO) and the Regional Vice Chair’s Secretariat attended and discussed a series of important subjects.

WCO ROCB A/P promotes the Customs framework (AEO program) for implementation of the UNODC-WCO Container Control Program in Cambodia

8 November 2016, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The WCO ROCBA/P, on behalf of the WCO, joined the Customs-Business workshop on UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme to enhance the relationship between Customs and Businessincluding related stake holders.

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P joined the WCO mission in Bangkok, Thailand, which aimed at exploring possible areas of cooperation to promote the WCO Security Program with the Thai Customs Department.

ROCB A/P joins the 28th Administrative Meeting for National Contact Points of Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P)

1-3 November 2016, Seoul, Korea

At the invitation of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P), Mr Takayuki Miyoshi, attended the 28th Administrative Meeting for National Contact Points of RILO A/P, which was held in 1-3 November 2016 in Seoul, Korea.

The WCO in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RTC Japan organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Post Clearance Audit at the RTC Japan (Japan Customs Training Institute), Kashiwa, on 12-16 September 2016 under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Non-Intrusive Inspection on 12-16 September 2016 at the Melbourne Customhouse of the Australian Border Force (ABF) under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

WCO fosters high-level support for the continued modernization of Samoa Customs

Apia, 29 July 2016

On 29 July 2016, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, and Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, visited Apia, Samoa, to pay courtesy calls to the Samoan political leaders with a view to calling for continued high-level support for on-going Customs reform and modernization of Samoa Customs, including expeditious accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention.

On 28 July 2016, at the invitation of the Oceania Customs Organization (OCO), the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, and Head of the WCO ROCB A/P, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, visited the OCO Secretariat in Suva, Fiji. Mr. Seve Paeniu, Head of the OCO Secretariat, and his colleagues warmly welcomed the visit of the WCO representatives.

On 28 July 2016, the Official Launching Ceremony of the WCO A/P Vice Chair’s Office was held in Suva, Fiji, with presence of Honorable Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fijian Attorney General and Minister of Economy, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, Dato’ Sri Khazali bin Hj Ahmad, Director General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) and Oceania Customs Organization (OCO), organized the Sub-regional Workshop on Integrity for the Pacific on 27-29 July 2016 at the Regional Training Center Fiji, in Suva, Fiji, under the sponsorship of Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan).

127th/128th Sessions of the WCO Council was convened on 14-16 July 2016 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and was attended by a total of around 500 delegates from the WCO Member administrations, the observer international organizations and business associations. Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the Council as an observer.

At the invitation of the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Ms. Pariyabhat Ariyapongkoson and Mr. Kangsik Cho of the ROCB A/P attended the Customs-Business Conference held on 7 July 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand.

On 4 July 2016, at the kind invitation from Mr. Kulit Sombatsiri, Director General of the Royal Thai Customs Department (TCD), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, and his staff members joined the TCD’s 142th Anniversary Ceremony held at its Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

The WCO in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RTC India (National Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotic, NACEN) organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on the Compliance and Enforcement Package (CEP) at the RTC India, Faridabad, on 20-24 June 2016 under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Japan Customs, organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Risk Assessment and Selectivity with Advance Cargo Information on 20-23 June 2016 at the Regional Training Center in Japan (Japan Customs Training Institute) in Kashiwa, Japan.

At the request of Mr. Vichak Apirugnunchai, Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, and Ms. Alpha Wong, joined the selection process for so-called “STAR Project” which is led by Mr. Vichak to identify his subordinates with good potentials and broaden their future carrier paths.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for India Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

6-9 June 2016 in Faridabad, India

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the India Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 6 to 9 June 2016 in Faridabad, India, and successfully completed the 3-year Multi-year Project.

At the invitation of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 18th OCO Annual Conference held on 1 June 2016 in Funafuti, Tuvalu, as an observer.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, organized the WCO National Training on WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) for Thai Customs at the Thai Customs Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on 31 May - 3 June 2016 under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

At the request of the WCO Secretariat, Ms. Alpha Wong of the ROCB A/P accompanied Ms. Ana Hinojosa, WCO Director of Compliance and Facilitation, and participated in the Meeting of the Global Facilitation Partnership for Transportation and Trade (GFP), which was held on 1 June 2016 in Shanghai, China.

At the request of the Thai Customs Academy, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, gave a lecture on the activities of the WCO and the ROCB A/P on 27 May 2016 at the Thai Customs Department Headquarters.

At the request of the WCO Secretariat and at the invitation by the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P participated a session of the 25th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors General (DGs) of Customs, which was held on 26 May 2016 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and attended by some 50 participants, including DGs and representatives of the Customs administrations from 10 ASEAN Members States and ASEAN Secretariat.

The WCO, in cooperation with the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) and the ROCB A/P, organized a Regional Workshop on Counterfeiting and Piracy on 16-20 May 2016 at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics (one of the WCO A/P Regional Training Centers) in Faridabad, India.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bhutan Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

9 to 12 May 2016 in Phuentsholing, Bhutan.

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the Bhutan Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 9 to 12 May 2016 in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, and successfully completed the 3-year Multi-year Project.

On 25-29 April 2016, the WCO Organized the A/P Regional Workshop on Passenger Controls at the ICAO Asia and Pacific Office in Bangkok, Thailand, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P under the sponsorship of Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, in which 37 persons, including the representatives from 27 Member Customs administrations and RILO A/P, took part. Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P participated in the Workshop as co-facilitator.

After the first Transit workshop held in China in early April, the WCO, in cooperation with the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs and the ROCB A/P, organized a Sub-Regional Workshop on Transit Corridor for South Asia on 26-28 April 2016 at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics (one of the WCO A/P Regional Training Centers) in Faridabad, India.

WCO organized the Regional Workshop on Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) on 18-22 April 2016 in Shanghai Customs College (SCC), Shanghai, China, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) under the financial support of Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan (CCF/Japan).

The WCO in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the RTC Japan organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on the HS 2017 Implementation at the RTC Japan (Japan Customs Training Institute), Kashiwa, on 18-22 April 2016 under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan. A total of 34 officers representing the WCO Members and the ROCB A/P, 3 WCO officers, Mr. Ed DE Jong, Senior Technical Officer, Mr. Kaoru OMOTO, Technical Officer and Mr. Toshihiko YAMATE, Technical Attaché as resource persons, and 1 ROCB officer, Mr. Takayuki MIYOSHI, CCF/Japan Operation Manager as a facilitator, participated in the Workshop.

At the invitation of the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Ms. Alpha Wong, Program Manager for Southeast Asia of the ROCB A/P, attended the Pre-Arrival Processing System Conference, which was held on 11 April 2016 at the TCD Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Approximately 50 TCD officials and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, JICA, shipping agents and terminal operators participated in the Conference.

11th Global Meeting of the Heads of the ROCBs and RTCs and Vice Chairs’ Offices was convened on 7-8 April 2016 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, which aimed at further empowering the regional structures to deliver their mission and fulfil their important roles.

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), under the sponsorship of CCF China, successfully conducted the Sub-regional Workshop on Transit Corridor for the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) on 6-8 April 2016 at the Shanghai Customs College (SCC) in Shanghai, China, which was attended by 19 participants from the WCO Member Customs administrations in the GMS. Resource persons from the WCO Secretariat, Turkey, Uganda and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) contributed to the Workshop. Mr. Cheng Jing, Program Manager of ROCB A/P, took part in the workshop as a resource person.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bangladesh Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

22 - 24 March 2016 in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the Bangladesh Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 22 to 24 March 2016 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and successfully completed the 3-year Multi-year Project.

WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, RILO A/P and Japan Customs, organized the WCO Follow-up Regional Workshop for Joint Enforcement Action against Counterfeiting and Piracy in the Asia/Pacific region (Action IPR A/P) on 21-23 March 2016 in the Holoday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand, under the financial support of Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan (CCF/Japan). A total of 22 participants from the 20 Member Customs administrations and 1 observer from the ROCB A/P participated in this Workshop. Ms. Pariyabhat Ariyapongkoson attended this Regional Workshop as a resource person, along with other resource persons from the WCO Secretariat, RILO A/P and Japan Customs.

On 21-22 March 2016, the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Strategic Leadership in Information Technology was held in the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) in Melaka, Malaysia, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan. A total of 24persons representing the WCO Member Customs administrations, including those represented the host administration, participated in the Workshop, which was supported by Mr. Tejo Kusuma, Technical Officer of the WCO Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, and Ms. Beng Huay Yeo, Chief Information Officer of Singapore Customs, as resource persons, as well as Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, as a facilitator.

ROCB A/P Reports its Activities to Directors General and Commissioners in the region

15-18 March 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 17th Regional Heads of Customs Administration (RHCA) Conference held on 15-18 March 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and reported the ROCB A/P’s activities in 2014/2015 and the latest progress in the undertakings over the last 8 months in 2015/2016.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Nepal Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

7 to 11 March 2016, Kathmandu, Nepal

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the Nepal Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 7 to 11 March 2016 in Kathmandu, Nepal and successfully completed the 3-year Multi-year Project.

At the invitation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, joined a Panel Discussion in the ADB Regional Workshop on Cross-Border E-Commerce: Towards Seamless Connectivity, which was held on 10 March 2016 at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and with the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, organized the WCO National Training on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) for Thailand from 29 February to 4 March 2016 at the Thai Customs Department (TCD) Academy. 76 TCD officials from relevant Divisions in the Headquarters and regional Customhouses attended this important National Training, which was the first national training to supplement the A/P Regional Workshop held in December 2015 in Kashiwa, Japan.

ROCB A/P gives a lecture on the Customs community’s roles in trade facilitation and security

26 February 2016, Bangkok, Thailand.

On 26 February 2016, at a meeting room of the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, and Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, the Programs Manager of the same, gave a lecture on the Customs’ roles in trade facilitation and supply chain security, which has significant impact from the viewpoint of global economics.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Sri Lanka Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

15 February 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the Sri Lanka Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 15 to 19 February 2016 in Colombo, Sri Lanka and successfully completed the Multi-year Project.

At the invitation by the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Mr. Cho Kangsik, Ms. Alpha Wong, Mr. Cheng Jing and Ms. Pariyabhat Ariyapongkoson of the ROCB A/P attended the 2016 Exit Conference on Time Release Study for Thailand, which was held on 18 February 2016 at the TCD Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Maldives Customs Service under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

24-28 January 2016, Male, Maldives

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the Final National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for the Maldives Customs Service under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 24 to 28 January 2016 in Male, Maldives and successfully completed the Multi-year Project. 3 Project Core Members (PCMs) of this Multi-year Project, 8 Project Supporting Members (PSMs) from Maldives Customs Service and experts from the WCO, Sri Lanka and ROCB A/P joined the activity.

WCO Regional Workshop on Revenue Package and Advance Ruling was conducted on 25 – 29 January 2016 at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (AKMAL) in Melaka, Malaysia, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, and in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

ROCB A/P participates in the Steering Committee Meeting for the Container Control Program (Southeast Asia)

19 January 2016, Bangkok, Thailand

At the invitation of the UNODC Bangkok Office, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, accompanied by his colleagues, Mr. Jing Cheng, Mr. Kangsik Cho and Ms. Alpha Wong, attended the Steering Committee Meeting for the UNODC-WCO Container Control Program (CCP) in the Southeast Asia region, which was held on 19 January 2016 at the Thai Customs Department Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, as observers.

WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting was organized on 15 January 2016 in Yangon, Myanmar, by the UNODC Bangkok Office with the sponsorship of the Australia Department of Immigration and Border Protection (ADIBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting was organized on 13 January 2016 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, by the UNODC Bangkok Office with the sponsorship of the Australia Department of Immigration and Border Protection (ADIBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting was organized on 11 January 2016 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by the UNODC Bangkok Office with the sponsorship of the Australia Department of Immigration and Border Protection (ADIBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bangladesh Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries (*)

14-18 December 2015

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bangladesh Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 14 to 18 December 2015 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

WCO, in cooperation with ROCB A/P and Japan Customs, with the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, organized the WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Workshop on Coordinated Border Management (CBM) from 15 to 17 December 2015 at the Japan Customs Training Institute (one of the WCO A/P Regional Training Centers) in Kashiwa, Japan.

At the invitation of the IPR Business Partnership, Ms. Alpha Wong of ROCB A/P participated and contributed to the 2015 National Workshop on Counterfeiting, Piracy and Border Measures, which was held on 26-27 November 2015 in Manila, the Philippines.

WCO National Workshop on Post Clearance Audit for Samoa Customs Service

16-20 November 2015, Apia, Samoa

Responding to a strong request from Samoa Customs Service, the ROCB A/P, in cooperation with the WCO Secretariat and under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, conducted the National Workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) for Samoa Customs Service from 16 to 20 November 2015 in Apia, Samoa, for their better understanding and effective implementation of PCA.

First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Sri Lanka Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries (*)

26 to 30 October 2015,Colombo, Sri Lanka

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Sri Lanka Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project)

ROCB A/P Attends the Exit Conference on Time Release Study (TRS) for Thailand

29 October 2015, Bangkok, Thailand

At the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Thai Customs Department (TCD), Ms. Pariyabhat Ariyapongkoson, Program Coordinator of the ROCB A/P, attended the Exit Conference on the Time Release Study (TRS) for Thailand held on 29 October 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand, as an observer. Approximately 70 persons, including representatives from the other Thai government authorities and the private sectors, attended the Conference.

Collaboration with ADB SASEC Customs administrations is making steady progress

28 October 2015, Cebu City, Philippines

At the invitation of the ADB, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 4th Meeting of the ADB South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Sub-group (SCS-4) held on 28 October 2015, Cebu City, Philippines, with the ADB’s sponsorship.

ROCB A/P collaborates with development partners organizations in trade facilitation

19-22 October 2015,Wuhan, China

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 4th Annual Meeting of the Regional Organizations Cooperation Mechanism for Trade Facilitation (ROC-TF*), which was held on 19 October 2015 in Wuhan, China, together with Mr. Toshihiko Osawa, Technical Officer of the Procedure/Facilitation Sub-Directorate of the WCO Secretariat.

At the request of the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, Program Manager for South Asia of the ROCB A/P (WCO Accredited Expert on TRS), represented the WCO at the Exit Conference on the 2014 TRS, which was organized by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank on 13 October 2015 at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

ROCB A/P contributes to the A/P regional Conference on Time Release Study

6-8 October 2015 in Tokyo, Japan

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, took part in the Regional Conference on Time Release Study (TRS), which was funded by Asian Development bank (ADB) and co-organized by ADB, Japan Customs, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and WCO

First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for India Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries (*)

28 September - 1 October 2015, Faridabad, India

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for India Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project)

WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P, RILO A/P and Royal Malaysian Customs Department, organized the Regional IPR Train-the-Trainer Workshop for the Joint Enforcement Action against Counterfeiting and Piracy in the Asia/Pacific Region

At the invitation of the UNESCAP, Ms. Alpha Wong of the ROCP A/P attended the First Meeting of Legal and Technical Working Groups of the Interim Intergovernmental Steering Group on Cross-border Paperless Trade Facilitation, which was held on 9-11 September 2015 at the UN Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Forty-seven representatives from 19 UNESCAP Member administrations, including some Customs officials, and UN advisers on paperless trade participated in the Meeting.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), organized the WCO Sub-Regional Workshop on Customs Valuation from 8 to 11 September 2015 in Tehran, Iran, under the sponsorship of the CCF/Japan. Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi and Ms. Pariyabhat Ariyapongkoson joined the WCO Secretariat resource person and facilitated the Workshop. 9 participants from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan including 11 observers from the host country, Iran, attended the Workshop.

ROCB A/P Briefed the WCO's Counter-Terrorism and Security Initiatives to APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group

1 September 2015, Cebu, The Philippines

Upon a request from the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 6th APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group, which was held on 1-3 September 2015 in Cebu, Philippines, and briefed the WCO's counter-terrorism and security initiatives, which were unanimously adopted at the recent WCO Council Sessions in June 2015, to APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group with a view to deepening the understanding on the latest technical standards developed by the WCO and seeking possible collaboration in the Asia/Pacific region to contend with perceived complex challenges in supply chain and travel security.

Upon a request from the WCO Secretariat and an invitation by the workshop organizer, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the APEC Secure Travel Workshop on Countering Foreign Terrorist Fighter Travel, which was held on 30-31 August 2015 in Cebu, Philippines, with the objectives to discuss and share good practices in implementing the UNSCR 2178 (2014) on countering so-called “foreign terrorist fighters” and mitigate relevant security threats in the Asia/Pacific region. Approximately 60 representatives from the APEC member economies and international organizations, including the WCO, attended the Workshop.

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, (Head of the ROCB A/P), attended the 17th meeting of the ASEAN Customs Capacity Building Working Group in Bangkok. , Mr Igarashi spoke about the latest developments in the WCO CLiKC! to encourage the ASEAN Member Customs administrations to make better use of the e-learning modules as part of their human resource development efforts.

First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Nepal Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries (*)

19 August 2015, Nagarkot, Nepal

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Nepal Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 19 to 21 August 2015 in Nagarkot, Nepal.

At the request of the Thai Customs Department’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Bureau, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P had an ad-hoc study meeting with Mr. Chaiyut Kumkun, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Bureau, and his staff members on practices in duty and tax calculation on 27 July 2015 at the ROCB A/P.

At the invitation of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) of the Region Asia/Pacific (RAP), Ms. Alpha Wong participated and contributed to the 9th RAP Field Meeting, which was held on 24 June 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bhutan Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries (*)

22 June 2015, Paro, Bhutan

The ROCB A/P and the ADB, with support from the WCO Secretariat and Maldives Customs Service, conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Bhutan Customs under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 22 to 26 June 2015 in Paro, Bhutan.

At the invitation of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 17th OCO Annual Conference held on 22-24 June 2015 at the Ngarachemayong Cultural Center in Koror, Palau, as an observer.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P conducted a WCO Regional Workshop for Development of Revenue Package/ TTA Diagnostic Expert Tool from 1 to 5 June 2015 in Shanghai, China, with the financial support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/China).

WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Regional Training Centre in Japan (Japan Customs Training Institute (CTI)) in Kashiwa) conducted the Regional Workshop on the use of PNR from 26 – 29 May 2015, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan.

At the invitation of the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 24th ASEAN Customs DGs Meeting, which was held on 20-22 May 2015 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, as a representative of the WCO.

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the ROCB A/P, organized the WCO-UPU Customs-Post Workshop–"Fostering greater cooperation between Customs and Posts and promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce" for the A/P region in Guangzhou, China, from 19 to 22 May 2015, under the sponsorship of CCF/China.

At the invitation by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Ms. Alpha Wong of the ROCB A/P participated and contributed to the ASEAN-USPTO Workshop on Effective Practices in Transnational Cooperation in the Border Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), which was held on 19-21 May 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Maldives Customs Service under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for SASEC Countries

18 May 2015, Male, Maldives

The ROCB A/P and the ADB with support from the WCO Secretariat and Sri Lanka Customs conducted the First National Expert Mission on Customs Valuation for Maldives Customs Service under the WCO-ADB Multi-year Assistance for the SASEC Countries (Multi-year Project) from 18 to 22 May 2015 in Male, Maldives.

The WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) held a joint workshop on Air Cargo Security and Facilitation at the ICAO Regional Office in Bangkok on 28-30 April 2015, with the financial support of CCF Japan.

Customs and Business Representatives Discuss Way Forward Towards Joint Efforts in Contending with Illicit Trade in Counterfeit Goods

22 April 2015, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

WCO Regional Workshop on Countering Counterfeiting and Piracy was conducted on 20 – 22 April 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the sponsorship of CCF/Japan, and in cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

ROCB A/P Joins “Conference on Illegal Wildlife and Timber Trafficking” to Discuss How to Further Strengthen Cooperation in Combating Illegal Wildlife and Timber Trafficking within ASEAN

7 April 2015, Bangkok, Thailand

At the request of the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, Program Manager for South Asia of the ROCB A/P, participated in the Conference on Illegal Wildlife and Timber Trafficking held on 7 April 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ROCB A/P, in cooperation with the WCO, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), organized the Joint Regional Risk Management Workshop on Environmental Issues from 6 to 10 April 2015 in the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy (a.k.a. AKMAL, WCO A/P Regional Training Center, Malaysia) with the sponsorship by the CCF-Korea.

Socialization and Workshop on Time Release Study for Indonesia Customs and Excise

31 March 2015, Semarang, Indonesia

Responding to a strong request from General Directorate of Customs and Excise of Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia Customs), the ROCB A/P dispatched Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, CCF/Japan Operation Manager and Program Manager for South Asia and WCO accredited expert on Time Release Study (TRS), to support the Socialization and Workshop on TRS held from 31 March to 2 April 2015 in Semarang, Indonesia.

At the invitation by the UNESCAP, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi and Ms. Alpha Wong of the ROCP A/P participated and contributed to the Capacity Building Workshop on Cross-Border Paperless Trade Facilitation: Challenges and Issues for Enabling Environment, which was held on 31 March 2015 at the UN Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

Strategic Discussion on Trade facilitation among the ASEAN Member States and Development Partners

19 March 2015, Jakarta, Indonesia

At the invitation of the ADB, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, along with Mr. Toshihiko Osawa, Technical Officer of the WCO, participated in the “ADB-ASEAN Workshop on Implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in the Context of the ASEAN Economic Community”, held on 19 March 2015 in Jakarta.

WCO, in cooperation with the ROCB A/P and Indonesian Customs, organized the WCO A/P Regional Workshop on Strategic Initiatives for Trade Facilitation – Mercator Program- from 16 March through 18 March 2015 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The workshop was co-sponsored by Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan) and the ADB.

Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, participated in the 2nd Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) Transport and Trade Facilitation (TTF) Development Partners Meeting held on 12 and 13 March 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

ROCB A/P Continues to Collaborate with the ADB on Customs Capacity Building for the South Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Countries

11 March 2015, Goa, India

Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, Program Manager for South Asia of the ROCB A/P, participated in the ADB SASEC 3rd Customs Subgroup Meeting held on 11-12 March 2015 in Goa, India. The meeting was hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), ...

The 6th WCO Capacity Building Committee Meeting was held on 23-25 February 2015 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels and discussed a range of strategic topics and examined a series of guidelines, programs and tools on issues such as supporting people and donor engagement.

ROCB A/P Promotes the AEO Program During the WCO/UNODC CCP Customs Business Workshop in Port Klang, Malaysia

11 February 2015, Port Klang, Malaysia

The ROCB A/P once again contributed to the successful opening of the WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) Customs-Business Workshop. This time the workshop was held in Port Klang, Malaysia on 11 February 2015, by the UNODC Bangkok Office with the sponsorship of the United States and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), in cooperation with the WCO and Hong Kong Customs, organized the WCO Asia Pacific Regional Workshop on Intelligence Management in the Regional Training Center in Hong Kong, China from 10 to 13 February 2015 under the sponsorship of Customs Cooperation Fund/Japan.

Upon the invitation of the TRAFFIC, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, and Mr. Jing CHENG, Technical Attaché of the ROCB A/P, along with the experts from the WCO and WCO RILO A/P attended the Consultative Workshop which was held from 29 to 30 of January 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

THE WCO-UNESCAP UNNEXTMASTERCLASS 2015: The Single Window in the Context of the WTO TFA

12 January 2015, Cheonan, Korea

The ROCB A/P organized the 2nd WCO-UNESCAP UNNEXTMASTERCLASS: The Single Window in the Context of the WTO TFA from 12 January through 21 January 2015 at the Regional Training Center (Customs Border Control Training Center (CBCTC) in Cheon-an, Korea.

As part of the current WCO Capacity Building Strategy, and to be responsive to the needs of the A/P region, the Regional Accreditation Workshop for the Technical and Operational Advisers in Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy was organized from 19th to 23rd January 2015,

ROCB A/P joined partners to discuss Customs capacity building to contend with environmental crime

15 January 2015, Bangkok, Thailand

At the invitation of the UNEP, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, attended the 16th Meeting of Asia Partners Forum on Combating Environmental Crime (ARPEC) on 15 January 2015 at the UN Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ROCB A/P’s capacity building activities in 2015 was started with the Regional Workshop on SAFE Framework of Standard (SAFE FoS) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), which was held from 5th-9th January 2015 in New Delhi, India.

Collaborative efforts in enforcement capacity building on trade in Ozone Depleting Substances

18 December 2014, Bangkok, Thailand

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) organized the Thematic Meeting of South Asia Ozone Officers and Customs Officers on 17-19 December 2014 at the UN Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, which was attended by more than 30 delegates from 12 countries,

Responding to a request from Central Board of Excise and Customs Department of Revenue, India (India Customs), the ROCB A/P, in cooperation with the WCO Secretariat, conducted the National Workshop on Time Release Study (TRS) for India Customs from 15 to18 December 2014 in Faridabad, India,

At the invitation of theInternational Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA), Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P, and Mr. James Wong, Program Manager for Southeast Asia of the ROCB A/P, joined part of the Meeting of Managing Directors of the IFCBA held on 15 December 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand,

ROCB A/P promoted the AEO program for the successful implementation of the WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP)

4 December 2014, Hai Phong, Viet Nam

The ROCB A/P once again contributed to the successful opening of National Workshop on the WCO/UNODC Container Control Program (CCP). This time the workshop was held in Hai Phong, Viet Nam on 4 December 2014, by the UNODC Bangkok Office with the sponsorship of the United States and Canada.

At the request of the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Takayuki Miyoshi, CCF/Japan Operation Manager and Program Manager for South Asia represented the WCO to the Exit Conference on 2013 TRS, which was organized by the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) in cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB),

Calling for enhanced coordinated border management for Customs control on travelers

2 December 2014, Bangkok, Thailand

At the request of the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Kazunari Igarashi, Head of the ROCB A/P represented the WCO at the 3rd Conference on Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building for Border Management on 2nd December 2014.

The 24th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Point Meeting was held on 18-20 November 2014 in Lagkawi, Malaysia. Nearly 60 delegates from 21 member administrations and 4 observer organizations attended and discussed a series of important policy issues for furthering regional cooperation and coordination.

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the Central Customs Laboratory of Japan Customs and the Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia/Pacific (ROCB A/P), organized the WCO Regional Seminar on Capacity Building on Customs Chemical Analysis from 12 to 14 November 2014in Kashiwa and Tokyo, Japan, under the sponsorship of the CCF/Japan.

26th Administrative Meeting of the National Contact Points of the WCO RILO AP

11 November 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka

At the invitation of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia Pacific(RILO A/P), Mr. Seung Kyoo Lee, Program Manager, represented the ROCB AP at the 26th Administrative Meeting of the National Contact Points of the WCO RILO A/P, which was held in Colombo Sri Lanka on 11-13 November 2014.

In order to help identify and establish a pool of accredited experts in the area of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), WCO, ROCB A/P and the Regional Training Centre (RTC) of Malaysia Customs jointly organized a WCO Regional Accreditation Workshop on AEO in Malaysia from 10 to 14 Nov 2014 at RTC Malaysia.